My Mute Bride

Not long after Victor left, Rachel heard the doorbell ring.

Originally thinking he left something behind, she opened the door, only to see a courier.

“Ms. Rachel Hudson?”

Upon hearing that, Rachel nodded.

“There are two intracity express parcels for you. Please sign here.”

Startled, she signed for the parcels, thereafter receiving a cake and a paper bag.

Right now on the table, there was still half an uneaten cake that Victor had rushed out to buy at noon upon finding out it was her birthday.

So, who bought the cake that the courier delivered?

Setting it aside on the table for now, she pulled a rectangular suede box out of the paper bag.

With a click, she opened it and discovered a silver-colored necklace in the box that glimmered underneath the light

The pendant was in the simple design of a small sun with a hollow center.

Putting down the box, she found a card on top of the cake box that simply read ‘Happy Birthday’ without any signature.

Dumbfounded, she stared at the items until her phone started vibrating.

It was a text message from Julian reading, ‘Did you receive what I sent?’

Immediately, she understood. ‘I did. I was wondering who would remember my birthday.’

‘Don’t forget that you’re a patient of mine. It’s not strange that I would remember your birthday.’

‘Thank you.

‘You’re welcome. Are you free? I just finished work; come down for a walk with me!

Looking at the time, she agreed, ‘Okay.’

At this hour after dinner, the community was lively. All of the houses were lit up, and the sound of children laughing could be heard around the neighborhood as they ran around playing.

stone table and opened it. Before she could even offer some to anyone, a group of children was surrounding her and staring eagerly at the

cake is

knife and

the side. “Today is Miss Rachel’s birthday. Before she treats you all to

that, the head of the group, which happened to be a little girl in

the ‘Happy Birthday’

must close her eyes

must blow out

shook her head to indicate to Julian that there was no need to go to such

Birthday’ in unison. The delicate chorus of young voices would have a

“Make a wish.”

There’s no need.

Rachel. My mommy says you have to say it in your heart and not out loud, or the wish won’t come true,”

girl who wasn’t even at

and, under the gazes of the children, clasped her hands and made a wish. After

say thank you!” their parents

icing on each other’s faces. Just like that, the strangers in the community

Rachel finally smiled for the

“The most important thing right now is to take care of your body and your mood. You don’t

wanted it, anyway, so I might as well pretend

the child, he changed the topic and told her, “Go on upstairs, then. It’s been getting colder lately, so make sure

turned and headed toward

apartment and about to

propped open

saw Justin glowering at her, his darkened face made all the more

out on business? she

house and shut

“I see you’ve been getting along fine without

she took two steps back. Why are

pulled off his necktie and threw

sneered, “I suppose you wouldn’t want me to

her, forcing her back

Rachel had no idea what she did

her arm and pulled, she staggered